Financial adviser outlines levy options and tax impacts; board hears $7M‑a‑year scenario

Ellers & Associates senior municipal adviser Matthew Hammer told the board the district has limited local options to generate operating revenue and walked the board through common ballot constructs on April 21.

Hammer outlined two common voter‑approved revenue sources: operating referendums (per‑pupil authority) and capital‑project levies (tax‑rate funding typically used for technology, curricular subscriptions and deferred maintenance). He presented a revoke‑and‑replace example that would increase per‑pupil authority and estimated, using the district’s enrollment assumptions, that a $1,385.97 per‑pupil authority could raise about $7 million in net additional revenue (taxes payable 2027; revenue available fiscal 2027‑28). On the example homeowner (assessed at roughly $525,000), Hammer estimated a tax increase near $32 per month in the first year.

Hammer also described a stepped approach that phases a larger authority over time and a hybrid tactic to use a later capital‑project levy timed to fill a scheduled debt‑service drop so tax rates do not rise in that near year. He noted board timing rules and statutory deadlines for calling a November referendum (typically by Aug. 11) and that the district must consider MDE review timelines for capital requests that include deferred‑maintenance items.

Board members pressed on duration choices (five‑ vs. ten‑year asks), contingency language, likely voter concerns (tax impact and transparency), and rollout timing. Several directors said communications and building public confidence will be critical to success if the board moves forward.